Treatment of Latent TB Infection

Overview

There are several treatment regimens available for the treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) (see Table 2). Providers should choose the appropriate regimen based on the following:

Drug-susceptibility results of the presumed source case (if known)

Coexisting medical illness

Potential for drug-drug interactions

For persons who are at especially high risk for TB disease and are either suspected of nonadherence or are given an intermittent dosing regimen, directly observed therapy (DOT) for LTBI should be considered.

Treatment Regimens

Isoniazid (INH) Regimen

There are 2 options for treatment with INH:

9-month regimen

6-month regimen

The 9-month regimen is preferred because it is more efficacious. Treatment for LTBI for 6 months rather than 9 months may be more cost-effective and result in greater adherence by patients; therefore, health care providers may prefer to implement the 6-month regimen rather than the 9-month regimen. Every effort should be made to ensure that patients adhere to LTBI treatment for at least 6 months. The preferred regimen for children aged 2 to 11 years is 9 months of daily INH.

12-Dose (Isoniazid and Rifapentine [RPT]) Regimen

The directly observed 12-dose once-weekly regimen of INH and RPT is recommended as an option equal to the standard INH 9-month daily regimen for treating LTBI in otherwise healthy people, 12 years of age and older, who were recently in contact with infectious TB, or who had tuberculin skin test or blood test for TB infection conversions, or those with radiologic findings consistent with healed pulmonary TB.

The 12-dose regimen can be considered for other groups on a case by case basis when it offers practical advantages, such as completion within a limited timeframe. The regimen may be used in otherwise healthy HIV-infected persons, 12 years of age and older, who are not on antiretroviral medications. It may also be considered for children aged 2-11 years if completion of 9 months of INH is unlikely and hazard of TB disease is great.

The 12-dose regimen is NOT recommended for the following individuals:

Children younger than 2 years of age

People with HIV/AIDS who are taking antiretroviral therapy (ART)

People presumed to be infected with INH or rifampin-resistant M.tuberculosis

Pregnant women, or women expecting to become pregnant while taking this regimen

Rifampin (RIF) Regimen

A 4-month regimen of RIF can be considered for persons who cannot tolerate INH or who have been exposed to INH-resistant TB. It should not be used to treat HIV-infected persons taking some combinations of ART.

The choice between the 12-dose regimen and other recommended LTBI treatment regimens depends on several factors, including:

Feasibility of DOT

Resources for drug procurement and patient monitoring

Considerations of medical and social circumstances that could affect patient adherence

†Intermittent regimens must be provided via directly observed therapy (DOT), i.e., health care worker observes the ingestion of medication.
*Isoniazid (INH) is formulated as 100 mg and 300 mg tablets. Rifapentine (RPT) is formulated as 150 mg tablets in blister packs that should be kept sealed until usage.
** The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an INH dosage of 10-15 mg/kg for the daily regimen and 20-30 mg/kg for the twice weekly regimen.
***In the United States, the recommended regimen for treatment of LTBI in children is a 9-month course of INH. For the treatment of LTBI in infants, children, and adolescents when INH could not be tolerated or the child has had contact with a case patient infected with an isoniazid-resistant but rifamycin-susceptible organism the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 6 months of daily rifampin (RIF) (180 doses) at a dosage of 10-20 mg/kg.

Special Considerations in the Treatment of LTBI

Contacts

Contacts are those with recent exposure to a person with known or suspected infectious TB (e.g., pulmonary or laryngeal TB with positive sputum smear). They should be evaluated immediately for LTBI and TB disease. If the TST or IGRA result is positive, the guidance below should be followed. Those who have negative results should be retested in 8–10 weeks after exposure has ended. However, if the chest radiograph is normal, LTBI treatment should be initiated in TST-negative children ≤ 5 years of age (note: some TB control programs may use a different age cutoff) and in immunocompromised persons of all ages who have negative TST or IGRA results. Treatment should be continued until the results of the second test and other medical evaluation are known. For some high-risk contacts, a full course of LTBI treatment may be recommended even in the absence of a positive TST or IGRA result. Consult with your local TB control program about the management of such contacts.

If person is exposed to known drug-susceptible TB or drug susceptibility is unknown:

Positive TST or IGRA result → Treat regardless of age with isoniazid (INH) or INH and RPT for those over 12 years of age

If person is exposed to known isoniazid-resistant TB:

Positive TST or IGRA result → Treat with rifampin (RIF) for 4 months

If person is exposed to known multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB:

Positive TST or IGRA result → Consult an expert in the treatment of MDR TB

In general, TST or IGRA-positive contacts who can provide written documentation of prior adequate treatment for LTBI do not need to be retreated. Retreatment may be indicated for persons at high risk of becoming reinfected and progressing to TB disease (e.g., young children and immunosuppressed persons).

HIV-Infected Individuals

HIV-infected individuals receiving ART should be treated with a 9-month regimen of INH.

Rifampin (RIF) is contraindicated in HIV-infected persons being treated with certain combinations of antiretroviral drugs. In those cases, rifabutin may be substituted for RIF.

HIV-infected individuals who are otherwise healthy and are not taking ART can be considered for the 12-dose regimen.

If the test for TB infection is negative, consider treatment if HIV-infected person had recent exposure to infectious TB, as discussed above.

Pregnancy

After TB disease is excluded, consider immediate treatment for LTBI if the woman is HIV infected or a recent contact, and monitor.

In the absence of risk factors, wait until after the woman has delivered to avoid administering unnecessary medication during pregnancy

INH daily or twice weekly (using DOT) is the preferred regimen.

Supplementation with 10-25 mg/d of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is recommended.

The 12-dose regimen is not recommended for pregnant women or women expecting to become pregnant during the treatment period.

There is potential for an increased risk of hepatotoxicity during pregnancy and the first 2-3 months of the post-partum period.

Consider delaying treatment for LTBI until 2-3 months post-partum unless there is a high risk of progression to TB disease (e.g., HIV infected, recent contact).

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is not contraindicated in women taking INH.

Supplementation with 10-25 mg/d of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is recommended for nursing women and for breastfed infants.

The amount of INH in breast milk is inadequate for treatment of infants with LTBI.

Infants and Children

Infants and children under 5 years of age with LTBI have been recently infected and, therefore, are at high risk for progression to disease.

Testing of adults in close social contact with the child may be warranted to determine whether a person with infectious TB disease can be found. Consult with your local TB control program.

Risk of INH-related hepatitis in infants, children, and adolescents is minimal.

Routine monitoring of serum liver enzymes is not necessary unless the child has risk factors for hepatotoxicity.

The preferred regimen for children aged 2 to 11 years is 9 months of daily INH.

The 12-dose regimen is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age.

DOT should be considered for children of all ages, and is strongly recommended when the 12-dose regimen is used.

Additional Notes of Importance

Old fibrotic lesions can represent previous TB disease. Persons with old fibrotic lesions with TST result of ≥5 mm of induration or a positive IGRA result and negative culture should be treated for LTBI.

Calcified solitary pulmonary nodules, calcified hilar lymph nodes, and apical pleural capping represent healed primary M. tuberculosis infection and do not increase the risk of TB disease. The decision to treat for LTBI would be the same as for a person with a normal chest radiograph.

The 12-dose regimen is not recommended for people presumed to be infected with INH or RIF-resistant M. tuberculosis.

All doses of the 12-dose regimen should be given by DOT.

Adverse Effects of Drugs Used to Treat LTBI

Some health care providers have concerns about treating patients for LTBI. These concerns are generally related to the length of treatment and the potential side effects of medications. As with any treatment, the health care provider must weigh the risks and benefits for each individual. Obtaining a detailed and accurate medical history, and updating information at frequent intervals, will identify persons who require close monitoring; this will aid the health care provider in determining the most appropriate course of action. In addition, CDC guidelines, drug package inserts, and other authoritative medical sources should be consulted whenever there is a question about side effects or drug-drug interactions.

The sections that follow discuss some of the adverse effects of INH and rifamycins, as well as recommendations for monitoring during treatment and for assessing and ensuring adherence.

Possible adverse effects of INH

Asymptomatic elevation of serum liver enzyme concentrations occurs in 10%–20% of people taking INH; and liver enzyme concentrations usually return to normal even when treatment is continued. It is generally recommended that INH be withheld if a patient’s transaminase level exceeds 3 times the upper limit of normal if associated with symptoms or 5 times the upper limit of normal if the patient is asymptomatic.

Clinical hepatitis occurs in about 0.1% of people taking INH, and is more common when INH is combined with other hepatotoxic agents. Factors that may increase either of these rates or the severity of hepatitis include daily alcohol consumption, underlying liver disease or risks for liver disease, and the concurrent use of other medications which are metabolized in the liver. Symptomatic hepatitis is rare in patients younger than 20 years of age, but severe and fatal cases have been reported. Younger patients with underlying risk factors for liver disease should be monitored clinically with the same precautions as older patients.

Peripheral neuropathy occurs in less than 0.2% of people taking INH at conventional doses. It is more likely in the presence of other conditions associated with neuropathy such as diabetes, HIV, renal failure, and alcoholism. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation is recommended only in such conditions or to prevent neuropathy in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Possible adverse effects of Rifampin (RIF) and Rifapentine (RPT)

Hepatotoxicity, evidenced by transient asymptomatic hyperbilirubinemia, may occur in 0.6% of persons taking RIF. Hepatitis is more likely when RIF is combined with INH.

Cutaneous reactions, such as pruritis (with or without a rash), may occur in 6% of persons taking RIF. They are generally self-limited and may not be a true hypersensitivity; continued treatment may be possible.

Rarely, rifamycins can be associated with hypersensitivity reactions, including hypotension, nephritis or thrombocytopenia, and manifested by symptoms such as fever, headache, dizziness/lightheadedness, musculoskeletal pain, petechiae, and pruritis.

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, anorexia, and abdominal pain are rarely severe enough to discontinue treatment.

Orange discoloration of body fluids is expected and harmless, but patients should be advised beforehand. Soft contact lenses and dentures may be permanently stained.

RIF and RPT interact with a number of drugs, causing drug-drug interactions. They are known to reduce concentrations of methadone, warfarin, hormonal contraceptives, and phenytoin. Women using hormonal contraceptives should be advised to consider an alternative method of contraception (e.g., a barrier method).

RIF is contraindicated, or should be used with caution, in HIV-infected individuals being treated with certain antiretroviral medications. Substitution of rifabutin for RIF in the 4-month regimen many be considered for such patients. RPT should not be used in HIV-infected persons taking antiretroviral therapy.

Patient Monitoring and Education During Treatment

To ensure safe and efficacious treatment for LTBI, the health care provider should periodically assess the patient’s progress. This evaluation involves clinical monitoring and laboratory testing, as well as patient education.

Clinical Monitoring

Patients should visit the health care provider who is managing their treatment on a monthly basis to be assessed for the following:

Signs of hepatitis

Adherence to medication regimen

Symptoms of possible adverse drug reactions or interactions

Patients being treated for LTBI who experience possible adverse reactions should be advised to stop medication and consult their health care provider immediately.

Patient Education

Explain the disease process and rationale for medication in the absence of symptoms or radiographic abnormalities.

Review the importance of completing treatment for LTBI.

Discuss possible side effects of LTBI medications that may include:

Fever

Unexplained anorexia

Dark urine (color of coffee or cola)

Icterus

Rash

Persistent paresthesia of hands and feet

Persistent fatigue or weakness lasting 3 or more days

Abdominal tenderness, especially in right upper quadrant

Easy bruising or bleeding

Arthralgia

Nausea

Vomiting

Discuss management of common side effects and the need to report to health care provider.

Laboratory Testing

Laboratory testing at the start of LTBI therapy is recommended for patients with any of the following factors:

Liver disorders

History of liver disease (e.g., hepatitis B or C, alcoholic hepatitis, or cirrhosis)

Regular use of alcohol

Risks for chronic liver disease

HIV infection

Pregnancy or the immediate postpartum period (i.e., within 3 months of delivery)

Baseline testing can be considered on an individual basis, especially for patients taking other medications for chronic medical conditions.

After baseline testing, routine periodic retesting is recommended for persons who had abnormal initial results and other persons at risk for hepatic disease.

At any time during treatment, whether or not baseline tests were done, laboratory testing is recommended for patients who have symptoms suggestive of hepatitis (e.g., fatigue, weakness, malaise, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pale stools, dark urine, chills) or who have jaundice. Patients should be instructed, at the start of treatment and at each monthly visit, to stop taking treatment and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms of hepatitis develop and not wait until the next clinic visit to stop treatment.

It is generally recommended that medication be withheld if a patient’s transaminase level exceeds 3 times the upper limit of normal if associated with symptoms or 5 times the upper limit of normal if the patient is asymptomatic.

Assessing Adherence

Many variables affect a patient’s adherence to the medication regimen for treatment of LTBI. Episodes of nonadherence should be recognized and addressed as soon as possible. Some examples of barriers to adherence are noted in the section that follows.

Office-Related Variables

Long waiting time for appointment and referrals

Long waiting time in provider’s office

Inconvenient office hours

Complicated telephone system (not “user-friendly”)

Patient-Related Barriers

Misinformation or confusion about certain issues such as

The meaning of TST results, for example, a positive TST result is thought to be normal or common in all foreign-born persons

Differences between injections, vaccines, and TST

The words “positive” and “negative” as they relate to test results

Modes of TB transmission and prevention

Exposure vs. becoming infected

Safety of family and friends around someone with LTBI

Residential instability

Lack of financial resources

Poor access to health care

Stigma associated with tuberculosis

Co-existing medical conditions

Culture and language

Religious practices (e.g., fasting from food)

Treatment Barriers

Complexity and duration of treatment

Medication side effects

Obtaining refills

Frequency of office visits

Cost, including insurance co-payment

Techniques to Improve Adherence

Collaborate with local health department to provide treatment.

DOT, if patient is high risk (e.g., HIV infected, young child, or TB contact)

DOT should be provided with the 12-dose regimen or other intermittent regimens

Enablers to overcome barriers such as free van transportation or bus tickets

Provide patient education and instructions in patient’s primary language at every visit.

Ensure confidentiality.

Suggest or provide patient reminders such as pill box, calendar, or timer.

Post-Treatment Follow-Up

Patient should receive documentation that includes TST or IGRA results, chest radiograph results, names and dosages of medication and duration of treatment. The patient should be instructed to present this document any time future TB testing is required.

Providers should re-educate patient about the signs and symptoms of TB disease and advise them to contact the medical provider if he or she develops any of these signs or symptoms.

Regardless of whether the patient completes treatment for LTBI, serial or repeat chest radiographs are not indicated unless the patient develops signs or symptoms suggestive of TB disease.